Policy Innovation Hubs

Vision

Empowering countries to transform their food, land, and water systems through world-class research and local leadership.

Impact

Smarter policies. Stronger local institutions. A future with less poverty, more jobs, and secure food and water for all.

The Ambition: Food Systems as the Engine of Development

Across the globe, nations are setting bold milestones for economic and social development. Whether striving for High-Income Country status, fulfilling National Development Plans, or hitting agricultural, social or climate targets, agri-food systems are the cornerstone of these transitions. A growing agri-food system coupled with institutional and policy innovations can be a driver of a more prosperous future ensure food and water security, create jobs, eliminate absolute poverty.

The Context: Navigating a New Frontier

The environment for policy-making is shifting at an unprecedented pace, forcing leaders to navigate a "new normal" defined by intense global volatility. As shifting trade orders, evolving governance structures, and climate-induced market shocks create a more unstable landscape, a critical implementation gap has emerged. To remain effective in this frontier, policy research must evolve beyond the mere delivery of reports and outputs; it must now bridge the divide between theory and practice through local ownership and a rapid response capability that ensures real-world impact.

The Connector: Organizational Structure & Global Footprint

The CGIAR Country Policy Innovation Hubs serve as the vital link between CGIAR’s global science and national policy ecosystems. Each Hub is anchored by a strategic pairing of two CGIAR centers, building on existing country agreements, infrastructure and networks. That design ensures cost-effectiveness and that the hubs are grounded in political and technical reality.

This model will drive impact across five initial strategic hubs: Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Malawi, and Nigeria.

The Hubs are the "front door" to the full technical breadth of the CGIAR Policy Innovations Program, which provides dedicated support across five core Areas of Work.

The Hubs also work in close synergy with other CGIAR centers and Programs/Accelerators to ensure that countries have access to the wealth of CGIAR innovations.

We believe that policy impact is only possible through deep, trust-based partnerships.

The Hubs are embedded within the national fabric, working directly with:

• Executive Leadership: The President’s Office and Prime Minister’s Office.
• Key Ministries: Planning, Agriculture, Water, Finance, and Environment-
• Local Experts: National think tanks and research institutions to ensure long-term policy ownership.
• Development Partners & Private Sector.

To activate this mission, we are embarking on a Global Launch Series throughout early 2026. This rollout marks the formal commencement of operations for our first five priority hubs, establishing a presence that spans East, West, and Southern Africa, as well as South Asia. Each launch serves as a milestone in our commitment to localized policy support.

Click on a country below to access its dedicated policy portal, publications, engagement and impact:

We hold ourselves accountable to measurable change. 

Our impact is tracked through three core Key Performance Indicators: